Coles cans imports by committing to Australian fruit

Supermarket giant Coles has taken a leaf out of rival Woolworths book by committing to sourcing 100 percent Australian fruit for its private label canned fruit lines by early 2014.

The deal with SPC Ardmona will see the supermarket source 100 percent of its canned fruit from Goulburn Valley growers in Victoria - replacing imports from Thailand, New Zealand and South Africa, news.com.au reports.

"This new offer, including the sourcing of 100 per cent Australian grown Coles brand canned peaches, pears and apricots from SPC Ardmona ... is a demonstration of Coles' commitment to local sourcing," said John Durkan, Coles chief operating officer.

Peter Kelly, SPCA managing director said the contract was fantastic news for grower and for SPCA.

"This is a fantastic result for our passionate fruit growers and the Goulburn Valley community," he said.